Pin it
Air-fried zucchini has become my evening go-to. In my kitchen, it's what I whip up when I want something light but tasty. They turn out just right - crispy outside, soft inside. Mix olive oil, herbs and garlic, and this simple veggie transforms into a Mediterranean treat that takes me back to my southern vacation memories.
My basic ingredient roundup
For two folks, I grab two firm zucchinis. I pair them with a tablespoon of good olive oil, a teaspoon of sea salt, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, and the same amount of dried thyme. I love how these simple items work together to make a dish full of flavor.
My go-to cooking method
First, I trim the ends off my zucchinis, then cut them lengthwise in half, then in quarters to get nice strips. Next, I chop them into 2-centimeter pieces. In a big bowl, I toss my zucchini chunks with olive oil and spices. I don't rush this part - making sure each piece gets coated. I lay everything in my air fryer basket in one layer, which really helps with browning. I set it for 12 minutes at 200°C, shaking the basket two or three times during cooking so everything gets crispy.
What to serve them with
These zucchinis taste best when they're hot. I often have them alongside grilled chicken or a nice fish fillet. For snacking, I make a Greek yogurt dip with fresh herbs. Sometimes I mix them into pasta or toss them in a big salad. They're truly versatile and go with almost anything.
Pin it
My personal tricks and twists
When I want some heat, I throw in red pepper flakes. For different flavors, I swap thyme for rosemary or oregano. My favorite version includes sprinkling grated parmesan before finishing cooking - it makes an amazing crust. When I have guests over, I cook several batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Every time I make this, I try adding some small new twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
- These zucchini are best hot and fresh. If needed, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes before serving.
- → How do I know if the zucchini is done?
- They should be soft inside and slightly golden outside. Stick a fork in to check tenderness.
- → Can I change the seasonings?
- Absolutely! Try using paprika, Italian herbs, or even Parmesan. Zucchini pairs well with many flavors.
- → Why are my zucchini too soft?
- This can happen if they’re overcooked or the air fryer basket is overcrowded. Cook them evenly with space in between.
- → Do I need to thaw frozen zucchini?
- Fresh zucchini works best, but if you’re using frozen, let them thaw and pat them dry before cooking.